NELSON JOTTINGS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 499, 4 May 1869, Page 2

NELSON JOTTINGS.

(PJIOM A COKEESPONDENT.) The Superintendent's opening _ address to the Provincial Council is an undignified " You shut up " to the West Coast people. The Separation Committee doubtless thought, when they were framing their petition, that they were giving it " rather hot" to His Honor and the Nelson Executive when they prayed for having the revenues otherwise disbursed than " systematically and unblushingly diverted in favor of a moribund system and organisation," and when they pointed out the " chimerical and quixotic schemes " of Nelson ; but what do they think of I being told in reply, that their petition "abounds with the most gross and palpable mis-statements, both of facts and figures," and that it can be shown that " there is no foundation whatever for those allegations ?" The Separation pill must have contained some bitter compounds to have so affected His Honor's palate. The "West Coast folks, however, must not be daunted at such symptoms. Experience has told them where the seat of the disease has lain; that the prescription is a correct one ; and that the cure can only be effected by a repetition of the dose. The Colonist, the other day, administered another mixture termed " Progress and Stagnation, or Promises and Performances," showing'the comparison of extracts from the Superintendent's election speeches in 1860 and '67 and the opening address of 1569. These have been given in parallel columns, and the performances now, as may be guessed, differ slightly from the promises then. The address just issiied is tantamount to: " Gentlemen, I have entertained the Duke and Governor. The revenue has fallen off. Errors have crept into the accounts. The execution of many public works must be postponed. The occupation of the new Nelson Hospital must be deferred. The Dry Dock idea must be abandoned. The Eailway question will be reseiwed until the October

election. Nothing need be attempted

with the Bailer banks, river, or wharves. Separation is ' rot,' and you may rely upon my best efforts as a member of the House of Representatives, in opposition to the petition." Such is this year's bill of faro. All the West Coast members of the Council, with the exception of Mr Home, havcbeen prcsent;at the sittings during the past few days. Beyond one or two notices of motion, nothing has transpired as yet affecting the Coast. A general shaking of hands has been the order of the past week, but it is reported that the gloves are to be put on shortly. More anon.